Sheffield United 2 Luton 0: Burke sees red after poor second half start ‘killed’ Town

Luton conceded two goals in as many minutes at the start of the second half, which boss Nathan Jones admitted killed the Hatters as Sheffield Untied ended their five-game unbeaten streak. 

The Hatters had dug in a first half, frustrating the Blades and even seeing a Sonny Bradley header ruled out for offside, but a lacklustre opening to the second period saw Rhian Brewster tap a deflected shot in from close range.

Jack Robinson then doubled the hosts’ lead, heading in from close range, for his first goal in more than three years.  

“I absolutely thought, we were going to come out in the second half and be better, but we weren’t,” said Jones, adding: “In the end, that’s what cost us, those first seven or eight minutes.”

To make matters worse, and virtually end any hopes of a comeback, defender Reece Burke brought down Brewster and was shown a straight red for a professional foul. 

But, for Jones, the damage had been done. He said: “We knew we had real game-changers to bring on, but then to be passive in the first five minutes and then to concede from a set-play killed the game. That was really poor because we’ve done the basics really well. 

“The overriding message is that I would’ve taken six points, realistically, at midday last Saturday. With Bournemouth at home, Reading away, Sheffield United away, if someone had said, ‘you can have six points’ I probably would’ve taken it. 

“After you win the first two games, you get greedy and think, well, I won’t accept six. So, we have to remember where we are and what we’re coming up against. Bournemouth, who are arguable the best side in the league and these, who I think have the best squad in the league, with depth and quality all over the pitch. They have £15million ones (players) and all sorts. 

“It’s a difficult place to come to. So, to do it after a three-game week, and they’ve only had two games, so a lot more time to prepare. The looked a little bit fresher.’ 

Town’s top scored Elijah Adebayo started on the bench after two big shifts in their previous back-to-back victories, with the manager admitting: “We had to rest a couple today. Big Eli and Clarky (Jordan Clark) were struggling. (James) Bree and (Harry) Cornick, so we’re missing some big players as well.” 

But, though Burke was given his marching orders on the hour, Luton held United and Jones added: “That was important, because goal difference is important. So, we had to dig in and we did that.” And now Luton must regroup for the rearranged clash at home to Bristol City on Tuesday night.